Chapter 22

Pulling his arm, I stare at him. When did Seb become this handsome? I quickly shake my head. I can't keep thinking like this. He is my friend.

"What?" Seb asks innocently.

"Are you an idiot? Why did you give my mother false promises of marriage? I still don't understand why you lied to your grandma about Miracle either. We could have told her the truth." I hiss.

Seb sighs and places his hands on each of my shoulders. "Do you want your mother to nag you about the dates and marriage again? And what do you think would happen if I told them the truth that Miracle is some unknown stranger's baby? You know your mother would hand him over to an orphanage or the police."

My eyes widen and a warmth surrounds my chest as I stare up at my friend's light brown eyes which look almost gold as he gazes back at me. I knew I could always trust and rely on Seb. "You... did it all for me?" I ask quietly.

He nods and smiles, "I want you to live your own life the way you wish to Eva."

"Thank you. This is why I love you Seb." I say honestly, feeling happy.

He grins and I suddenly feel him tug at my waist, pulling me closer to his body. "Don't I deserve a reward for helping you?"

My face heats up and I glare at him, "Take your filthy paws off me."

He pouts, "You're so cold to your fiancé Eva."

I roll my eyes, "Fake fiancé."

"You hurt me." He moans and grabs his chest.

Laughing, I punch his chest with my fist. "This is your reward."

Seb catches my fist in his hand and uncurls my fingers before placing my hand flat on his left breast. My face feels warm as I feel the steady beat of his heart from under his built chest.

After a few seconds, I pull my hand away. What is he doing?!

"Let's go. We should leave early because I'm meeting Jason tomorrow." I say, looking away.

I glance around at Seb when I receive no response from him. His face is red and he seems to have a dazed look in his eyes.

After bidding farewell to my mother and Seb's grandmother, we leave for home. My mother reminds us to let her know of a date for the wedding. I give her an awkward smile before leaving. When can I stop this game with Seb and introduce Jason to her?

"What is it?" He asks as I sit silently, watching the tress flit pass as he drives.

"I'm meeting Jason's sister for the first time tomorrow. What kind of outfit should I wear; classy, elegant, pretty, cute or formal?" I should make a good first impression.

"This is the first time you're worrying about clothes." Seb chuckles, "Why are you making a big effort?"

"You won't understand." I say, "I have to impress my potential in-laws."

The screeching of the car brings us to a halt and I glare at Seb. There was no need for him to break so hard.

"Are you already delusional Eva? You're talking like a teenager. You're an adult now, don't daydream."

For some reason, my anger flares at his words. "I'm not daydreaming Seb! Is it wrong for me to like Jason? Can't I wish for him to be my partner? I don't know why you seem to dislike him when you claim he is your friend. Jason is a good person who is rare to come across nowadays."

"Jason this, Jason that! Can't you stop saying his name in every sentence Eva? It's annoying." Seb retorts. heatedly.

Angrily, I pull off the seatbelt. I don't want to talk to him.

"Hey, what are you doing?" He asks as I open the door.

"Leaving." I say simply and climb out of the car.

"Wait Eva, it's not safe. Get back in." Seb says, crawling the car beside me as I walk on the side of the road.

"No. Go on ahead. I'll find my own way home." I mutter angrily, waking faster but it is impossible to outrun a car even when it is at a crawl.

"Eva, I'm saying it one last time. Get in." Seb says coldly.

Ignoring him, I continue walking. I don't want to continue arguing about Jason. I don't understand why Seb has to fight with me every time I mention him.

After a few minutes, Seb drives away and I breathe out. Where am I?

Calling her number, I wait for my friend to pick up. "Rina, how is Miracle?" I ask.

"He's sleeping soundly. I fed him earlier and changed his nappy so he is comfortable. Have you returned home?" Rina asks.

"Not yet." I say quietly, "I don't know where I am."

"What?! How can you get lost on the way back from your mother's?" She asks in astonishment.

"I'm walking. Seb has already left in the car." I say.

"Did he throw you out of the car?! I hate it when the male protagonists do that in dramas. It's not cool. Let me sort him out." She says fiercely.

I can't help but laugh a little, "You're still the same Rina. Actually, it's not entirely his fault. I got angry at him and left the car myself."

"Give me your location. I'll send you the directions." She says.

Smiling in relief, I send her it. Following her directions, I turn a corner and enter a dark street. It's not late, just after 9pm but the sky is already dark.

Hearing the sound of heavy footsteps from behind me, I frown. The footsteps have been stopping every time I stop and I am sure they have been following me for a while.

Shivering, I urgently call Rina again and continue walking. "Rina, I think someone is following me." I whisper into the phone.

"Stay calm Eva and find a shop or somewhere with a lot of people. They'll probably leave when they know you aren't alone." Rina advises.

"Thanks Rina. I'll do th-"

A hand covers my mouth as I struggle against the tall, bulky figure. Why is this happening?